Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are scattered as foreigners over Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

whom God the Father has chosen and predestined by the consecration of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ, and to be sprinkled with his blood; God bless you and give you perfect peace.

About this salvation the prophets who prophesied of the blessing that was destined for you made the most careful investigation,

It was disclosed to them that they were serving not themselves but you in dealing with these things, which have now been told you by those who through the holy Spirit sent from heaven brought you the good news; things into which angels long to look!

but like the holy Being who has called you, you must also prove holy in all your conduct,

And if you address him as Father who judges everyone impartially by what he does, you must live reverently all the time you stay here,

who was predestined for this before the foundation of the world, but was revealed only at the end of the ages,

for the sake of you who through him trust in God, who raised him from the dead and showed him honor; and so your faith and hope rest on God.

For it says in Scripture, "Here I lay a choice stone in Zion, a costly cornerstone; No one who believes in it will ever be disappointed!"

It is you, therefore, who believe who see its value, but for men who do not believe, "The stone which the builders refused has been made a cornerstone,"

But you are the chosen race, the royal priesthood, the consecrated nation, his own people, so that you may declare the virtues of him who has called you out of darkness into his wonderful light;

you who were once "no people" but are now "God's people"; once "unpitied" but now "pitied indeed."

and to governors, as sent by him to punish evil-doers, and to encourage those who do right.

You servants must be submissive to your masters and perfectly respectful to them; not only to those who are kind and considerate, but also to those who are unreasonable.

He was abused but he did not retort. He suffered but he did not threaten, but committed his case to him who judges justly.

You married women, in the same way, must be submissive to your husbands, so that any who refuse to believe the message may be won over without argument through the behavior of their wives

It was in that way in ancient times that those pious women who set their hopes on God made themselves attractive. They were submissive to their husbands,

like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham, and called him Master. You are true daughters of hers, if you do right and are unafraid.

For "Let him who would enjoy life And see happy days, Keep his tongue from evil, And his lips from uttering deceit.

And who is there that can hurt you if you are eager to do what is right?

but reverence Christ in your hearts as Lord, and always be ready to make your defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that you have. But do so gently and respectfully,

and keep your conscience clear, so that those who abuse your upright Christian conduct may be made ashamed of their slanders.

who had once been disobedient, when in Noah's time God in his patience waited for the ark to be made ready, in which a few people, eight in all, were brought safely through the water.

who has gone to heaven and is at God's right hand, with angels, hierarchies, and powers made subject to him.

Since Christ therefore has suffered in our physical nature, you must also arm yourselves with the same resolve. For he who suffers in his physical nature has done with sin,

but they will have to answer for it to him who is ready to judge living and dead.

If one preaches, let him do it like one who utters the words of God; if one does some service, let him do it as with strength which God supplies, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

For the time has come for the judgment to begin with the household of God, and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who refuse God's good news?

Therefore, those who suffer by the will of God must intrust their souls to a Creator who is faithful, and continue to do what is right.

I appeal therefore to those who are elders among you; I am their brother-elder and a witness to what the Christ suffered, and I am to share in the glory that is to be revealed??2 be shepherds of the flock of God that is among you, not as though it were forced upon you but of your own free will, and not from base love of gain but freely,

And God, the giver of all mercy, who through your union with Christ has called you to his eternal glory, after you have suffered a little while will himself make you perfect, steadfast, and strong.